"Previously we have allowed pupils to use the time for their own purposes, but many students do not use the time constructively."

Now the education ministry has expanded a seven-year-old pilot project, in which pupils choose between RE lessons or ethics classes, from eight schools to 119.

But the ethics lessons are only offered to students aged 14 and above who are able to discuss more profound issues, said Mr Zecha, adding that more and more headteachers were approaching the ministry for permission to apply the new subject in their schools.

Mr Zecha said: "Students will discuss questions such as 'What does freedom mean?' or 'Why do people build relationships?'. It is all about learning how to deal with life."

The ministry spokesman said teachers are specially trained to take the classes alongside their usual subjects.

"Our institutes offer teachers courses that usually last around four years part-time," he said.

The ministry hopes the subject will be part of the national curriculum by 2020.

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